Community mourns loss of Ann Dorgelo

Photo Courtesy LVMWD WIL BE MISSED—Ann Dorgelo, lower left, often visited with local students to promote the conservation of water and other natural resources. Last week, Dorgelo succumbed to cancer. Ann Dorgelo, a dedicated community servant and board member with the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District for over two decades, passed away at her Agoura Hills home Nov. 17, just two weeks after announcing her retirement.

Memorial services were last Sunday at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Westlake Village.

“The end was very quick,” said Kathrin Smith, Dorgelo’s daughter. “My mother was a wonderful, caring, supportive example for all of her daughters. She worked hard throught the end, and worked hard in every way.”

The 63-year-old Dorgelo died following a long battle with cancer, said Arlene Post, water district spokesperson.

Dorgelo is one of only two women to have served on the district’s board of directors. Her jurisdiction covered mainly Agoura Hills.

“Ann Dorgelo (was) a wonderful board member to work with,” said Charles Caspary, board president. “Close ties to the school district (were) among her many achievements. She will be deeply missed.”

“Together with her husband, Ben, who died in the 90’s, (Ann’s) service to our water district has spanned over 31 years,” said the board’s Glen Peterson.

“Ann was one of our strongest directors, who understood public service and had a strong commitment to the Las Virgenes community and a special place in her heart for the water education of our young in this great community,” Peterson said. “My hope is that every family in our community who has benefited from her family’s years of service prays for her children’s and our community’s loss.”

After her recent retirement, Dorgelo visited with The Acorn and talked about her unique role in the water agency community.

“Women bring a different perspective to the board,” said Dorgelo, who also enjoyed her role as a mediator when the board of directors disagreed.

Mostly, the directors worked well together.

“The teamwork was just an absolute joy,” Dorgelo said. “I will so miss it.”

Dorgelo said that when she went to a state conference many years ago, it was a “sea of older gentlemen.” Times changed, however, and today women are involved in water issues thoughout the state.

Teaching the public about ways to conserve water was one of Ann Dorgelo’s strengths.

“I would go door to door, and talk to people in their driveways about how they should not leave their hoses on,” she said.

Dorgelo and her family moved to Agoura Hills from Los Feliz in 1967 to escape the growing smog problem. Dorgelo worked at Yerba Buena Elementary School before launching her career with the water district.

She remembered when sheep were seen grazing in the local hills and residents enjoyed hunting fox. “There were cowboys out here. . .It was very rural,” she said.

Dorgelo said she felt blessed to have three daughters and five grandchildren, whom she called “wonderful.”

“I have a lot to be thankful for,” she said.